Numbers That Mattered: Indiana Hoosiers vs. Northwestern Wildcats

Written By: Evan Alvarez

Numbers drive so much in today’s world and the sports world is no different. Now more than ever teams are hiring and building analytics teams to get every edge possible over their opponents. Over the course of the season, we’ll look into many of those numbers following the Hoosiers’ matchups each week. 

Today, we have the incredible pleasure to examine the numbers behind Indiana’s recent 41-24 win over the Northwestern Wildcats.

6%…

Represents Indiana’s “Explosive Play Rate” from Saturday’s game (per gameonpaper.com). An “explosive play” is loosely defined, but is generally a rush that goes for 10-15+ yards or a pass that goes for 20+ yards. Whichever way you cut it, the 6% rate for Indiana puts the Hoosiers in the 24th percentile across the country when compared against other FBS vs. FBS games last year. Indiana was very methodical in their approach, beating the Wildcats with touchdown drives of 10 plays/89 yards, 8 plays/75 yards, 9 plays/87 yards, 10 plays/75 yards, and 5 plays/36 yards. Despite the slower approach, Indiana’s offense continued to hum along. It bodes well for the Hoosiers that, regardless of game speed, this offense can match up and excel.

90.8…

Represents Kurtis Rourke’s passing grade on Saturday, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). This is a stellar grade and truly puts numbers behind Rourke’s full command of this Indiana offense. Looking at PFF passing grades on the season, Rourke ranks 4th in the entire country with a passing grade of 91.2 - just behind Dart, Ward, and Pavia, and ahead of Sanders, Milroe, and every other QB in the country.

2…

Represents the number of games this season where Mikail Kamara hasn’t sacked the quarterback (all data here per espn.com). He now has back-to-back games with a sack and is quickly racking up Big Ten quarterback names on his sack list. First, Billy Edwards Jr. in IU’s win against Maryland. On Saturday, Jack Lausch was added to the list when Kamara brought him to the ground up 17-10 in the 3rd quarter. Kamara ranks tied for 8th in the country in sacks and will look to add Dylan Raiola to his list next.

39…

Represents the number of extra points made by Indiana Hoosiers kicker Nicolas Radicic (all data here per espn.com). This puts him at #1 in the nation, SIX extra points clear of 2nd place. Radicic will no doubt be looking to chase the Indiana single-season extra points record (56, set by Mitch Ewald in 2013) as the Hoosiers’ offense continues to roll.

5.1 and 23...

Represents Indiana’s team-wide rushing yards per attempt on the season (5.1) linked with the Hoosiers’ total rushing touchdowns (23), per espn.com. 5.1 yards per attempt puts the Hoosiers at 31st in the country in yards per attempt, while 23 rushing touchdowns ranks Indiana as tied for first in the country with Boise State (Ashton Jeanty and company). IU has found an efficient balance between running and passing on offense. Indiana’s passing game is prolific, historic, and hard to stop, but it wouldn’t be what it is today without the strong rushing attack that has been displayed over the first six games of the season. Look for this to continue throughout the remainder of the season as Indiana continues to confuse and frustrate opposing defenses.

Saturday, October 19th @ 12:00 PM EST…

Represents Indiana’s next game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during Homecoming. Be on the lookout for another edition of “Numbers That Mattered” after that game as well.